Stone
A stone shower insert costs between $700 and $2,450, while a custom-built stone or cultured marble shower costs up to $35 per square foot. Stone showers have a timeless appeal and you can choose a sleek, modern aesthetic or an earthy, rustic style. Just note that if you plan to use thick tiles or slaves, you'll pay more. Plus, you'll need to hire a local structural engineer to make sure the floor or walls don't need reinforcing due to the weight of the raw materials.
Acrylic/Fiberglass
Acrylic or fiberglass shower inserts cost between $400 and $2,000. These shower inserts are lightweight, budget-friendly, and easy to install. These are available as ready-to-install kits from most big box stores, although professional installation is, of course, recommended. They don't have the same high-end luxury look as other shower types, but if installed well, they look clean and minimalist.
Shower Remodel Cost Breakdown
Materials and labor comprise the bulk of shower remodeling costs. However, the price you'll pay for labor depends on how much, if any, demolition you need.
Materials
Shower remodel materials include the new shower insert if you're using a prefabricated kit, the fixtures, the shower doors, the framing material, seating, the showerhead, and more. How much you'll pay for materials varies significantly based on quality and design. For example, a showerhead alone can run you anywhere from $25 to $500. Similarly, a prefabricated shower pan starts at $200 while a custom shower pan costs up to $3,500.
Labor
Labor for installing a shower liner or insert costs $500 to $1,500 and includes the cost of a tile installer and the cost to hire a plumber. Remember, if you're having a steam shower installed, you'll also need to budget for the cost to hire an electrician to take care of the electrical hookup. Similarly, if you're using stone slab or a lot of stone tile, you'll also need to plan for the cost of a structural engineer to see if your walls and floor need reinforcement.
You'll also need to account for the cost of demolishing the old shower or removing the tub and hauling away the debris. Expect tear-out costs of between $50 and $100 plus a haul-away fee of $250. And, if you're moving the shower or require any kind of plumbing reconfiguration or new wiring, you'll spend between $600 and $1,600 extra.
Other Shower Remodel Cost Factors
Several other factors impact how much it costs to remodel a shower, too. For example, you may require a permit for an extensive remodel. Repairing damage is also a cost factor, as is reinforcing walls and floors.
Repairs
Making repairs to your walls or floor from water damage or mold buildup can increase your overall project cost. Mold remediation costs anywhere from $1,100 to $3,400. Repairing water damage can cost between $1,300 and $5,500.
Bathroom Size
Typically, the larger the bathroom, the more the shower remodel costs. For a small bathroom, the average shower remodel costs $350 to $2,500. A mid-size bathroom shower remodel costs between $675 and $8,600. For a large bathroom or primary bath, shower remodel prices run from $12,000 to $15,000 or more.
Seasonality
If you're trying to save money on the cost of bathroom renovations of any type, instead of trying to cut corners with DIY, you're better off waiting until winter. Generally speaking, the winter months are the off-season for bathroom remodel contractors. Therefore, you're likely to get a better price because there's less demand.
Permits
Expect to pay anywhere from $175 to $2,000 to cover the cost of a building permit. You may need to acquire a permit depending on where you live and the extent of your shower remodel. In most cases, your contractor will acquire this for you. However, it's always best to check with your local authority to make sure you have the right permits.
DIY Shower Remodeling vs. Hiring a Pro
Because you're dealing with water and plumbing as well as actual construction, a lot that can go wrong with shower remodeling. Therefore, it's much smarter to hire a local bathroom contractor than to attempt the work yourself. You can save money by having the work done in the off-season. You could also save by doing some of the finishing touches, like sealing, adding extra touches like fixtures and seating yourself. But a pro should handle the bulk of the job.
Plumbing lines must be properly positioned, connected, and sealed, the floor has to be perfectly level, and all the seals must be tight to avoid water damage and mold. Cutting corners or attempting a task of this magnitude without the right skillset could result in far more costly repairs down the line.